Nov. 20, 2006

South Carolina freshman guard Brandis Raley-Ross, averaging 13.8 ppg this past week, including 17 points in each of the last two games, has been named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week. It is a first time honor for a Gamecock basketball player, as USC had no freshman last season during the award’s inaugural year.

USC is 3-1 and off until it plays at The Citadel on Mon., Nov. 27 at 7:05 pm.

Raley-Ross, a 6-2, 195lb. guard from Charlotte, N.C. native, attended Gaston Day School where he averaged 29 ppg and 7 rpg his senior year.

“I am very pleased with Brandis’ honor as the SEC Freshman of the Week,” said USC Head Coach Dave Odom. “There are a lot of great young freshmen in our league and to be honored in that group is very special. I am more excited for our team because Brandis’ contributions led to two significant victories. Without his play, it would have been difficult for us to win both games. He got a late start to the season and it took him awhile to get set with the new offenses and defenses and his new teammates, but he seems to be settling in nicely.”

Highlights * Raley-Ross helped lead South Carolina to two wins last week, including an 80-74 overtime win at Southern California.

* He scored double-figures in each game, including 17 points against both Southern California and Lipscomb.

* In the road win over Southern California, he also grabbed nine rebounds and knocked down three 3-pointers.

* Raley-Ross is the first freshman to score double-figures in three straight games for South Carolina since Tre’ Kelley (Feb. 11-21, 2004).

Ross’ Season Stats

PPG RPG APG BPG SPG

13.8 5.8 1.3 0.0 1.0